A deadly fire swept through Club Pulse, a crowded nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, early Sunday, killing 59 people and injuring 155 others.

The inferno broke out during a concert by the popular hip-hop duo DNK, triggering mass panic and a deadly stampede. Officials said 22 of the injured remain in critical condition, with some transferred to hospitals in other European countries.

The fire reportedly started around 2:30 a.m. when on-stage pyrotechnics ignited highly flammable ceiling material. Witnesses described hearing an explosion before the roof collapsed, engulfing the venue in thick smoke. “We all ran toward the only exit,” a survivor recalled. “It was chaos.”

Interior Minister Pance Toskovski confirmed that more than 500 people were inside the club, even though only 250 tickets were sold. He also revealed that some of the victims were minors.

Many of the casualties suffered injuries from the stampede as people scrambled to escape the rapidly spreading flames.

Authorities are investigating the club’s operations, with suspicions of corruption and illegal licensing. Toskovski stated that Club Pulse lacked a valid permit, suggesting bribery may have played a role in its continued operation.

At least 20 individuals, including the club owner, event organizers, and government officials, are under investigation.

Fifteen suspects are already in police custody, while others remain hospitalized. Among those detained are a former rescue services director and a state secretary from the economy ministry.

The two members of DNK, who performed at the event, are also under investigation, with one suffering burns and breathing difficulties.

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Medical officials reported that most victims died from smoke inhalation or injuries sustained in the stampede. Kristina Serafimovska, head of the Kocani hospital, confirmed that 70 patients are being treated for burns and carbon monoxide poisoning. Some critically injured survivors were airlifted to Bulgaria, Greece, Serbia, and Turkey for advanced medical care.

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, who visited the scene, called it a “very sad day” for the country. In response, the government declared a seven-day mourning period and ordered flags to be flown at half-mast.

Authorities also announced immediate inspections of all nightclubs, discotheque, and entertainment venues to prevent similar tragedies.

Videos of the disaster showed towering flames consuming the two-story building, while panicked concertgoers fought to escape. Military medical teams have been deployed to assist overwhelmed hospitals treating the injured.

Pope Francis sent condolences, expressing deep sorrow for the young lives lost.

The European Union and leaders from neighboring countries, including Greece, Serbia, and Bulgaria, have also extended their sympathies. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that the bloc stands in solidarity with North Macedonia during this time of grief.

As investigations continue, grieving families are left searching for answers. Authorities have vowed to hold those responsible accountable while pushing for stricter safety regulations in public venues.

With Agency reports